Since 1890 St. John's Academy has been a staple in our community for academic excellence rooted in faith. 

History

St. John’s Academy in Jamestown, ND, was the first Catholic school in what is now the Diocese of Fargo.   Four Sisters of St. Joseph moved into the Topcliff residence and remodeled a barn to house the boarders and day school with the title of St. John’s Academy—a name given by Bishop John Shanley. St. John’s Academy was opened on September 3, 1890; there were 65 students, 14 of which were boarders.  The school was open to children aged two to high school, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. In the first 25 years there were numerous building changes as the Academy grew in size and prestige. At one point St. John’s Academy was named a first-class private school of ND. In 1961 the enrollment had reached 583 students from 1st grade to 12th.

By 1968, grades 7-12 were closed. In 1974 Father Adam Englehardt’s efforts brought St. John’s Academy to the distinction of a superior school. Kindergarten was added in 1978. In 1989, St. John’s added Kid’s Kingdom, a pre-school program, the first and only accredited preschool in the community. In 1991 a childcare program, sponsored and staffed by the YMCA, was opened at the school. A dream 50 years in the making was realized on May 18, 2002, when the Zebedee Center, a multi-purposed facility was opened. Monsignor Jeffrey Wald was assigned to St. James Basilica and presided over St. John’s Academy in 2014. Under his leadership, a building renovation and 45,000 sq ft expansion project was initiated. This $6 million endeavor was completed just prior to his death in October 2020. The newly finished building allowed for the space needed to turn back the hands of time and expand our PreK- 6 school to include, once again, middle school. In 2021, the first time in 68 years, St. John’s Academy welcomed grade 7, with grade 8 added the next year. In anticipation of future growth and needs, in 2024 St. John’s Academy acquired two properties adjacent to the school, hired an Advancement Director, and designated a position for Marketing and Promotions. 

From a journey spanning 134 years, St. John’s Academy continues the tradition of offering a superb Catholic education for children ranging from childcare through grade 8. 

 Celebrating 125 Years Booklet